Joint statement from Bishop John Buckley and Bishop Noel Treanor following plane crash in Cork Airport

10. Feb, 2011

PRESS RELEASE

10 February 2011

Joint statement from Bishop John Buckley and Bishop Noel Treanor following plane crash in Cork Airport

Bishop John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross and Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor, have called for prayers for those who were killed and injured in the plane crash at Cork airport this morning:

“We express our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives following the accident on the Belfast – Cork flight which crashed in Cork airport this morning. Our hearts also go out to those who have been injured and to all who are affected by this terrible tragedy.

“The suddenness and scale of this loss of life is shocking. We ask people of faith, North and South, to pray for those who have died and for their loved ones. We will be offering Mass and our prayers for the deceased, the injured and their families.

“We also commend the emergency services for their rapid response and care at this difficult time.”

Bishop Buckley was in the area at the time and went directly to the airport. The Duty Manager invited Bishop Buckley to meet the relatives who were waiting in Arrivals at the airport. Bishop Buckley offered them his prayers and, indeed, the prayers of the people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross and of the Country. Canon Michael Murphy, Parish Priest of Ballyphehane, as airport chaplain, was also in attendance at the scene. Bishop Treanor, along with Cardinal Seán Brady and other bishops, offered Mass in Knock this morning for the victims of this tragedy.